I couldn't put it in better words than you, but I totally agree here. Cuddy is not the same Cuddy from the early days and House is more of a bastard for the sake of being a bastard than he used to be. He used to have a reason for doing the things he does.

Didn't Hugh say if the main character changes, there is no show? He better have a get out of jail free card. GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN HUGH!